Money and practicalities

29 questions, answered plainly.

Do I need euros and pounds on the same Ireland trip?

Both, if the trip crosses the border.

Are cards accepted in small Irish towns and rural pubs, or do I still need cash?

Cards are the norm now, in small towns as much as in cities.

Can I claim a VAT refund on shopping when I leave Ireland?

Yes, if you live outside the EU, Great Britain included, and take the goods home with you.

What will a pint, a pub lunch and a modest dinner typically cost in Ireland?

Budget with the Central Statistics Office figure as the anchor: the national average price of a pint of draught stout was €6.08 in November 2025, with lager usually a little more…

What plug adapter do I need in Ireland, and will my phone charger work?

Ireland uses the Type G plug, three rectangular pins, on a 230 volt, 50 hertz supply, the same in the Republic and Northern Ireland.

Do I need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation for Ireland or Northern Ireland?

It depends entirely on your citizenship, and the two jurisdictions run separate systems.

What travel documents should I check before travelling between Ireland and Northern Ireland?

There are no checkpoints and no routine document checks on the land border, and the road signs changing from kilometres to miles may be the only sign you crossed.

Will my mobile phone roam in Ireland, and what changes when I cross into Northern Ireland?

A phone from an EU or EEA country roams in the Republic under Roam Like at Home, at domestic prices within fair use limits.

Is tap water safe to drink in Ireland?

Yes.

What is the emergency number in Ireland, and when should I use 112 or 999?

Both numbers work, and both are free.

Can visitors use pharmacies and out of hours doctors in Ireland, and what might it cost?

Yes.

Do I need travel insurance for Ireland if I already have health cover at home?

Ireland does not require visitors to hold it, and whether to buy it is the traveller's own call.

What should I do if I lose my passport in Ireland?

Act the same day.

How do time zones and daylight hours change across an Ireland trip?

The whole island keeps one time, the same as Britain, and crossing the border changes nothing on your watch.

Are shops and attractions open on Sundays and public holidays in Ireland?

In the Republic, most shops open on Sundays, usually with shorter hours than a Saturday: city centre stores commonly trade from late morning to about 6pm, and smaller towns open less.

What are Ireland's public holidays, and which ones most affect travel plans?

The Republic has ten public holidays: New Year's Day, St Brigid's Day on the first Monday in February, St Patrick's Day on 17 March, Easter Monday, the first Mondays in May, June…

Where can I store luggage in Dublin, Belfast, Galway or Cork during the day?

Three routes cover most days.

Can I drink alcohol in public places in Ireland?

Treat the answer as no in most town and city centres.

What are the rules on smoking and vaping in pubs, restaurants and hotels?

Smoking is banned in enclosed workplaces across the island, since 2004 in the Republic and 2007 in Northern Ireland, and that covers pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotel bars and…

Is Ireland safe for a visitor walking in cities at night?

By the standards of comparable cities, yes, with the ordinary city cautions doing most of the work.

What scams or tourist traps should I know about before visiting Dublin?

Dublin's problems are the standard big city set rather than anything elaborate.

Can I bring prescription medicine into Ireland?

Yes, for your own personal use.

What should I never pack or bring through Irish customs?

Revenue's list of goods you must declare, and in many cases must not bring at all, is the one to work from.

What should I buy in Kildare Town to bring home?

Bring home the county's craft rather than its labels.

Who are the Gardaí, and how does policing in Ireland differ from policing in America?

The police are An Garda Síochána, usually shortened to the Gardaí, or simply the guards.

How many hours ahead is Ireland of the United States?

Five hours ahead of the US East Coast for most of the year: when it is midday in New York it is 5pm in Dublin.

Which medicines can I buy over the counter in Ireland, and what should I bring from America?

Most everyday medicines sit on open shelves in Irish pharmacies much as they do at home, but three differences catch Americans out.

How do ATMs and banks work for a visitor in Ireland?

ATMs are easy to find: every town has them, set into the wall of a bank or inside a shop or petrol station, and an American debit card works in them.

Will I find Wi-Fi in Ireland when I need it?

In towns, yes, without trying hard.

Useful pages: Money and tipping in Ireland · Shopping in Ireland · Packing checklist · Travel notices · Healthcare and emergencies · Irish weather · Festivals and events · Dublin · Ireland dos and don'ts · Solo travel in Ireland · First time visitor tips

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